My Life These Past Two Weeks

It is hard to decide were to begin...........

September 2nd was the sunday before the pig roast. I cooked for that night and prepared for the next day. I felt great and even stayed up till 3 am playing games. The pig was amazing like always and I got spend time with Hannah. Life was great and having a three day weekend with John was amazing. 

Life got back to normal on Tuesday. I went into Rolla with John, I got my hair cut, went to my scheduled doctors appointment, then went shopping. While at my appointment my blood pressure was high and protein was found in my urine. The doctor was concerned with pre-eclampsia, so he ordered some tests and wanted me back in 48 hours. He was not too concerned thinking we caught it early on. Two hours after my appointment I was on my way home. I was on the phone with someone when the doctors office called. I figured they will leave a message, the phone call was important (I think) within 10 minutes the doctors office called back so I ended the other call and answered. The results from my blood tests had already come back and I needed to come in to Labor and Delivery to get set up then I needed to get shipped to St. Mary's in St. Louis immediately. My platelets where very low and my liver enzymes were way to high. I then called John and packed while he headed home. 7 o'clock I was in the Rolla hospital, then I was off to St. Louis. While there they had me on magnesium (which I reacted to very badly. I looked like a cherry from my head to belly botton and I was really hot) to make sure I did not have a seizure, a steroid (which i don't remember the name) to bring my platelets down, and a regular saline bag to keep me hydrated. They took blood every six hours. Between the first and second blood test my platelets took a nose dive. I was under continues monitoring and poking for three days. My veins were so worn out that at one time I had 6 nurses in my room patting and squeezing to try an find something. 

On Friday the 7th the my platelets got to a safe level to deliver. Amos was breech so they first wanted to try and turn him. They did this by lifting his feet out of my pelvic bone then pushing/pulling on his head. Lets just say he did not cooperate and I have battle wounds just from that. They ended up taking him by cesarian. They had to do it under general anesthesia instead of an epidural due to my platelets still being low.  At 4:40 Amos James was delivered. He was 4 lbs and 6 oz measuring in at 17 inches long. 

I was held in the hospital for 4 more days. On Tuesday the 11th At 6:00 I was released. I spent 6 days and 23 hours in some sort of hospital bed. Under doctors orders I came home Tuesday night for a "good" nights sleep in my own bed. We were back up in STL the next da checking on him at 1:00 am. Watching how well Amos ate and his weight gain we waited until he could come home with us. The 15th we got a call saying if he eats well for us 2 times he can leave. His second feeding he did not do well at all. So we were there another day. Finally at 12:16 on the 16th of september I signed his discharge papers and we were on our way home. So a total of 11 days and 17 hours and 16 min (about) we were in STL or waiting to come home. 

We are home and I have a beautiful, healthy baby boy and we are ready to sleep in our own bed with Amos home. 

A big thank you goes to all of you who called, visited, took care of the house, and prayed for all to go well. God has shown his love and power through all of this. 

The worthy (wo)MAN

Proverbs 31:10- 31

10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

We all know of the virtues or worthy woman. She takes care of her home, her servants, and the needy. She is not idle, she works outside the home, she is honest, kind and wise.
This past Sunday the man delivering the lesson  to us (Josh) spoke on these verses (click here to listen). But, he had a twist on them. Instead of this worthy woman he talked about the worthy man. I have studied these verses and taught on these verses many of times. I have never thought of the man "behind the scenes". I would like to share with you some things I got from the lesson and a few more thoughts I had after it.

In verse 11 we see he is a one woman man. In todays society we see men (and women) getting married deciding that person is not "the one" and leaving just to go find someone else. We also see people not satisfied with there relationship and seeking pleasures outside their home. Sometimes with multiple people. This man has one woman and he trusts her. Also, we can notice the worthy man chose to spend his life with a worthy woman. He went seeking for this worthy women so he does not have to seek a perfect life elsewhere. She is all he wants.

The virtues woman we see plants a vineyard (v 16), extends her hand to the poor and needy (v 20), She has her own business of selling things (v24), and she watches over the ways of her house or manages the affairs of her house (v 27). All of these things we do not see the man in the equation. It appears to me the woman is doing all of this while her husband is out being the "bread winner" for his family. I would like to submit the husband does have a major role in it. The worthy man supports his wife in her ways. Without the support of her husband she would not be able to do these things. The man is the head of the family and women are to submit to there husbands (Eph. 5:22-23). If he preferred her to stay home, or decide her time outside of the home was taking away from the family then I think she would have to respect his wishes. Along with this showing the worthy man is supportive, it also shows he leads with love and is not a tirant. He could take being head of the house to his head and contro the wife but he shows love and support.

Lemuel means "of God; devoted to God".  In verse 23 we see he has a good reputation. He is known among the gates and sits with the elders. In the gates men come together and have basically like a city council meeting. The elders of the city are like representatives  that make decisions on the town peoples behalf. This man sits among them. He is trusted among the town and people think highly of this man. He has a good reputation among the people and he is a servant of God.

Finally in verses 28, shows this worthy man leads his family well and sets an example for them. "Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:" These children did not just get up one day praising there mother. I think she taught them manners but the learned to do this from some one. Their father also rises to praise and call her blessed. the children see how he treats their mother and mimics him. Also, I would like to say he probable trained them to do so. Children learn by telling and by example and the worthy man teaches his children and is the example they need.

Sometimes I feel like I ramble on about things and I feel like I do not get my point across but I hope men and women alike can get something out of this.

Please let me know what your thoughts are on this worthy man and woman.

Baby Shower

Well the first of two showers down and I think I am supplied for a good long time. With about 37 (if my counting is any good) in attendance and some amazing hosts it was a big success. I am so blessed to have so many people who love me and support me in all things. This group of women are the best in the whole world, I could not ask for a better group of people to be the main influence on my children's lives.
Of course it was a boy theme and the hosts worked very hard to get everything together. the next few pictures are of the party.

The sash They made for m to wear.

 Melted chocolate in diapers had to figure out what kind a candy bar it is. It was amazing how real it looked.

 One wonderful women made this for the party. Marie's mom Karen.

THe girls made all of these (they molded them all by hand.....in a mold sorry kind of an inside joke)

Sarah (my niece) insisted on helping me with the gifts. then she would ask me "what is that for?" or "what does that do?" Once I had to sit back as she dug everything out of a basket putting it on my lap while i explained everything that was in it then she said ok now we are done no more, then threw everything back into the basket (not gently at all) then said ok next. She can be a character, I guess this just is teaching me patience early.

The three amigos. These two planned a lot of the party and did the decorations. Also, at this time all the other ladies should be mentioned. Thank you goes to Hannah, Marie, Nina, Heather, Katie, Karen and Roxanne. Also for Nina's son Isaac who I'm sure had to help make sure the house was in order for all of us. Then to all the ladies who brought there gifts. It would have been nothing without all of them.




God has truly blessed me richly! I have a wonderful family. My parents and John's parents are always there for us. Also, I have a wonderful christian family. I can call on any one and they will be there no matter what. Amos is one lucky little boy.

This is what I came home with. I had to make the picture bigger to make out what all was there. I only have duplicates of three things. Those will get taken back and I am going to get something I need.
Thank you again to all of you. I love you all!!!!

Wonderful friends

1 Samuel 18:1-Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

I have always loved this verse and the example of Jonathan and David. The thought of having a good friend that is closer to you than any other person on this earth. A person who would do anything for you. If you remember Jonathan helped David escape his father, Saul. This could have gotten Jonathan killed (if Saul was a better aim with the spear) but he still stuck up for David and helped him through the worst of times. 

I am very blessed to have friends I can say we are knit together and love each other as ourselves. Hannah, Marie and I We have known and been together for at least 10 to 12 years ranging in ages (roughly 15 years difference between the youngest and oldest, I guess the youngest was just that mature;). This never bothered us, we always had fun no matter where we were or what we were doing. These girls have all my "deepest darkest secrets" that no one else knows about, and I trust them completely with them. They have helped me through the rough times in my life and have been with me to celebrate through the good times. We have burned more calories laughing mainly at our selves and each other (early in the morning/late at night make everything funnier) than we have walking or anything else.

Due to marriage, moving away and soon to be baby we do not get together as often as we like, but we do as much as we can. We got together just last weekend. We spent most of our time sitting and talking (and eating). We just stayed at Marie's house, made our own food and talked with a little bit of games (none of of are competitive at all ;) Not just laughing, but encouraging and giving advice where needed. I always walk away from our time together feeling up lifted, and closer to them. 

I have many friends in the area and they are wonderful people and christians and I feel encouraged when I talk with them. I laugh and have a good time with them. I love my time with them and I am very close to some. But, there is nothing like Hannah and Marie time. I love these girls and would never give them up!!!!

I hope everyone has at least one friend like this!!!!!!

Cleaning and Keeping it Clean (I Hope)

Our house was empt for a long time. We started with squirrels in the attack, a mice infestation (I think we killed like 20 of them and that is not much of an exaggeration), spiders and of course the thing found in every house DUST. The squirrels were shot, the mice were caught and killed (one being shot, why John thought that was a good idea no one knows), the spiders are slowly being taken care of, and as for the dust I think there are layers on the walls and ceiling that releases once a day. I wil dust and the next day it does not look like it. I am about to go crazy and want to give up.
I was talking with a lady on the phone one day and she was saying she deep cleans her house once a week. That means dusting, sweeping, moping, vacuuming, the whole works. My thoughts at that time were -you are completely crazy, I think retirement made you a bit loopy or something- I did not tell her this because well one its not a kind word to a friend (so it really should not have been thought) and two I started to think she probably has the right idea. John and I have really bad allergies to the dust and everything it brings with it. Dusting really should be my number one priority. But lets face it, who really likes to go around dusting their house? I sure don't!
I decided to start my self on a new routine. I will spend one hour a day deep cleaning cleaning one room. I feel this way it does not seem like I'm cleaning all day and not doing anything else that needs to be done. Besides if I were to clean all day doing nothing else, I would be tired of it by the end and the later rooms do not get cleaned very well. So I started my own process (this works for me but may not work for others)  I type/write everything out, and this helps me do it and know exactly what needs to be done. I sat down in each room and wrote everything out.

EX.
Bathroom:
-Dust (Cabinet, door frame, window seal, mirror)
-Clean sink, toilet, shower
-Dump trash
-Wipe down mirror
-Fill toilet paper holder
-Change towels
-Sweep/Mop
(Last monday of every month soak shower head in vinegar and use liquid plumer)

I did this for every room. This kinda gives me a list to check off so I can make sure everything gets done (especially when just starting a new routine). I then assigned each room a day ( I have more than 5 rooms so I had to double some. I put lighter load rooms together).

Monday- Bathroom (What better way to start a week with a clean bathroom)
Tuesday- Living room (It needs to be done so get it out of the way early in the week)
Wednesday- Kitchen/Dining room (If I wanted to have someone over after church or for supper before the kitchen has just been cleaned and the "important rooms" have been cleaned recently)
Thursday-Back room (our spare bed and my sewing room)/Nursery (no good reason for this day)
Friday- Bedroom (I change the sheets on friday so I put the bedroom on this day so I did not have to do something twice a week in this room)

After I arranged my "Daily cleaning" I started on my "Every day clean up and to-do"

Make bed

Set supper out

Wash, dry and fold at least on load of laundry

Dishes

10 min tidy up before bed

Sweep kitchen

Wipe down bathroom sink and toilet

I don't know about others but my kitchen floor always has dirt or something on it, and the sink always has my hair in it. If I keep them up every day surprise visits will not be embarrassing. 

I started this three days ago and I have done very well. I got behind yesterday because my daddy needed help so I was not home most of the day. But I will get back to work and clean the Kitchen, dinning room, back room, and nursery today. It is a good thing I keep up with the kitchen every day or I would be swamped when I get behind due to unforeseen events. I clean for a total of two hours (maybe) a day and the rest of the day I can do whatever else needs to be done. I would dread the day because I felt like I was always cleaning. This has helped me in just the short time I have been doing it and I feel I can keep up with it. I just think only an hour of "deep cleaning" and I will be done. I do not even think about the every day little things. I find it easier to wake up in the mornings. For some this may not work but if it helps you in any way use it. I can say John is happier with the house this week, more than he has been since we got married.

Working up fruits and veggies

We have been very blessed to have veggies come our way this year. Our garden did nothing except burn up. We finally decided yesterday to till it under cause it wasn't doing anything (I am convinced we will have a better one next year). Back to the veggies that have been coming our way.... We recently got a visit rom John's dad and he brought a lot with him. His mom went to Poland for a couple weeks so the veggies had been piling up instead of getting taken care of. Well he brought them my way and I had to take care of older veggies. They had to be used and stored or they would have gone bad. So Monday I had to start taking care of things.

This is what I stared with plus some green tomatoes, green peppers, and more squash in the fridge.

Monday I worked up the squash making 4 quart size bags, sliced the zucchini in disc form to fry it that made 2 bags,  and cut the okra making 4 quart size bags. Then I started on the tomatoes. I blanched them peeled them and seeded them (all by hand I don't have any fancy tools and equipment but one day I will). I boiled them down, put them through the food processer and made homemade ketchup (John does not like store bought and wanted me to make him some, so what better time). What a busy monday. 

My tomatoes some blanched and some on their way soon becoming ketchup.

Tuesday came and I got brave. John has been asking for bread and butter pickles and spiced peaches. So not knowing what I was doing I started my research (google is amazing). I ended up canning 10 pint and a half jars (all the store had was jelly/jam jars) of Peaches and 3 half gallon and 1 pint and a half of pickles. Bare in mind this is my first time canning and I did not have any special equipment. I had a stock pot, water, a stove,  a pair of tongs (not canning tongs) and some string (the half gallons were to heavy to lift with the tongs so I tied string around the top to drop and lift out of the pot. Whatever works right?).  I figured they had to do it some how before they came up with all the fancy stuff so I went for it. Well all the seals popped and they are sealed tight so whatever I did I did it right. I just hope it taste ok.

My first canning with the stock pot still on the stove and the jars continuing to cool. To bad the tongs are not in this pic but I think they are on top of the tomatoes in the other pic and I already threw the string away things I did not think of sorry

I am please with all I have accomplished. I feel like I haven't been sitting around doing nothing. I love the life of a house wife! If I was working I would not have had time for it. I did not realize the time put into canning and working up veggies. I have further respect for the Proverbs 31 women. Making things so your family can be comfortable, warm (all the nursery things I made see earlier post) and fed takes a lot of time. But it pleases me to know I am being frugal and making my husband proud and content with his decision to make me his wife.

Youth in the church

Three of our older youth (ages approximate 11, 10, 8) of the congregation started to sit on the front bench on the right during morning and the front on the left during evening services not long ago. (I sit on the second bench on the left.) So during evening services they sit on the front bench right in front of My husband ans I. The 10 year old was not up there in the evening. During the songs the 8 year old was singing and being very energetic in his song while the 11 year old was tapping his fingers on his book in time to the music "leading" the song along with the leader up front. During the lesson they were following along in their Bibles. The 8 year old, still learning were the books are, would look at his dad sitting at the far end of the bench or look back at John and me to see which way he needs to go, eventually getting to the passage just to turn to another one, but he never got (too) discouraged. I watched them a lot during this service (trying very hard to stay focused on the lesson)   I could not help but think through the whole services of the children who were brought to Jesus in Matthew 19:13-15 while being rebuked by His disciples (which they did a lot...hmm) he let them come and laid hands on them, I think this was to bless them. He took time out of his ministry to pay attention to the children. In verse 14 it says "for of such is the kingdom of heaven." When I read this I think Christ is saying they are the future of the church (if I am wrong about what this means please let me know this is just how I interpret what Christ is saying but still wonder if this is what it actually means). These children must learn from a young age about Christ and we must "bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" Ephesians 6:4.


These children encourage me to pay attention more and to have hearts like theirs. It reminds me of when I first became a christian and the zeal I had. Sometimes I have to re-evaluate myself and return to that beginning zeal. We need to be like these youth, in their innocence, humbleness and zeal to be like the adults serving Christ. When we do this we will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:1-5  "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ² Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me." 

I know this is very random in thought but I would like to encourage all to evaluate themselves and start this week with zeal, humility, and a goal to serve God with all our might, encouraging and being an example to all those around us.

My Friday In....

John ans I had discussed what we were going to do one Friday night. I really wanted to go out and do something. I did not want to just go eat somewhere I wanted to go out, have some good clean fun, stay out late, you know all those things you did as a teenager. John wanted to just stay home. He did not feel like doing anything and he was tired from a long day/week of work. He said all right but I knew he really did not want to. So I decided we would stay home and do it some other night. I would cook at home and we would spend an evening on the couch. This did not take a lot of convincing for him to except. To tell the truth I was very disappointed. I was thinking about it all day, it was Friday after all and we don't go places very often anyway. But I swallowed all the feelings and thought how appreciative John probably was  for me to cook him dinner and have a nice quiet evening with him. So I set to work. I did not know what we were going to eat, everything was frozen I did not prepare for anything so I finally found can tamales and decided to make a cheese sauce to go over it and we would have rice to go with it and a can of veggies (the best dinner all week in my opinion it was amazing) I started the sauce when John comes into the kitchen and hugs me from behind and kisses my cheek (I love it when he does this). He says he will be back he needs to run to town for a minute and asks does he have enough time. I was just starting so I figured yes no problem. He left and I got back to work. I finished supper and was setting the table when John got back. He came into the kitchen and since I was "hard at work" I was not paying attention to what he had. He stops me and on the counter was a 12 pack of A&W root beer (my favorite soda of all time). He turns toward the counter  to open the soda up and there in the back of his pants was a 3 rose bouquet. He turns back around smiles and pulls the roses out gives me a huge hug, kisses the top of my head and thanks me for cooking supper and staying in tonight. 

Sometimes we may give up our plans for the ones we love, but the out come can be better than the original plans. I had a wonderful night with John and I felt like we were dating again. We watched a movie and I sat in the middle of the couch holding his hand through the whole thing. Then we had dessert together after. This evening could not have been planned as perfect as it was. We didn't even have to walk out the front door.

These were taken 2 or 3 days later so flowers are kinda droopy and a lot of soda missing. Flowers were beautiful and very fragrant. 

John later asked me what I liked more the root beer or the flowers. I could not decide. John said that is why he loved me so much because root beer is just as good as flowers to me. 

My dad and his trash

I get a call last Thursday from my daddy. He does not call very often, so scratching my head and pondering what it is that he could be needing, I answer the phone. He asks how I'm doing (which has been a ritual of his every time he sees or talks to me due to pregnancy) then he asks do I need long folding tables. (I am so confused as to what he is talking about) I answer him (still confused as to exactly what he is talking about) I always need folding tables and he goes on to explain that they are old wooden folding tables, nothing wrong with them. A lady was cleaning out her basement and threw out two long wood tables (kinda like school cafeteria tables). So he thought of me and saved them so I could have them when I had groups of people over to my house. (Also,  for anyone who does not know, my daddy works for the sanitation department.) This is not the first time he has done this. When I had moved out of my parents home about 6 years ago he found a toaster oven never been used still in packing from a store. then about two years ago or so he found me a table with 6 matching chairs. All that was missing was a screw for one of the chairs. One run to Lowe's and I had a perfect set. This was also still in the box never been assembled. Then my car seat and bouncer chair for Amos came from his findings. The car seat had a water stain on it but i washed it up and it looks brand-new. Dad saved them and talked to the guy before it even hit the curb. The guy had it for his grandkids and it was only used a hand full of times and had no use for it now.

one table is about 9' and the other is about 12'. that is my best guess since I did not have a tape measure

the 9' set up. they do need cleaned up still.

Some of you may know this table. I have had many people sitting around it. Now it is a place to put stuff until I find a place for the things. I have a bigger table in the dinning room, I received it from my granny. But I have six matching chairs with this table

The toaster oven has been well used and works great. if you were to see it in person it looks older than it is cause it is used sooo much.

Car seat has base with it and there is winnie the pooh characters on it.

 This bouncer does not play music but it does vibrate. Which I can get a radio and play music if I want it. It looks like it has never been used.

I remember as a kid a lot of things coming into the house that daddy found. Some brand-new/never used, some in like new condition, and some things broke that were fixed or used to fix something else we had and just needed one thing too fix. He even brought home soda that a plant gave him that was out of date (no it was not in the trash) and different things like that. We did not have much money and things but my daddy always made sure we had everything we needed, and when he brought home the next big find us kids (there are 5 total)  thought we were the richest family in the world.

It is true when they say one mans trash is another mans treasure. At least their trash is our treasure!

All I need is Amos

Wow it is finally together!!! The nursery is now ready for our little bundle of joy. After making the crib set and curtains, finding a dresser(a little bigger than I wanted but works), and putting things in the perfect spot, I finally got the results wanted (I think). 

From her I will show you before and after. some of the pictures are not of best quality but give the general idea. Also, to really see it you have to be here. Pictures(in my opinion) do not do it justice.

Before entering the room: 

We tried for 6 months before we found out we were expecting. So this verse I felt very appropriate to have somewhere in my house. It was nothing like Hannah had to go through but, we were very emotionally towards he end. 

As you go into the room: 

I did not get a before picture of this but the changing table used to be in this corner when I first started out. I decided I really wanted the pictures ont he wall. Also, you may see the curtain tie backs on the chair. I need to get hooks to put them on the wall. then there is a small closet to the right. I hoped to put the dresser in there but it was too big. On the door is a "door muffler" this thing prevents the dor from making a lot of noise if it needs to be shut or opened for some reason while the child is sleeping.

The window:

THis is a huge double window practically floor to ceiling.  It looks out in to the front yard and Now I have bird things there so I can enjoy the view. Although Toothless (my cat) thinks he belongs there. 

The left wall opposite the rocker and closet:

The room had no organization. It had barney sheets and an old quilt for when I had watched a friends son (I couldn't let him sleep on just the mattress). Then the crib and table became a storage place for all the things I had received before I knew what I was doing. The dresser was a curb freebee so it had the vinyl peeling off and scuff marks all over it. nothing that a few cans of spray paint and a lot of work from John could not fix. Now all the things in the crib and on the table are nicely placed in the closet, the dresser is in the corner and clothes are put away according to size (for now). With the name on the wall it makes me feel like the room belongs to someone. And a little close up of the blanket. It was made out of left over material 9just an after thought).

The last wall:

The changing table has a matching cover to the pad and the boxes for storage (bibs, blankets, and diapers since i'm doing clothe on for liners and one for the covers).the monkey came from John's grandma so it had to go somewhere. The bottom shelf has all the blankets I have received so far. most of them were made by John's great grandmother and a couple I made. this is where I would like to put a saying "boy 1. n noise with dirt on it" but I do not know how I want to do it. 

After Amos is here I want canvas pictures of him and some family to put on the wall above the dresser and in other random places. but that will have to wait for now. Until then I am done and anxiously awaiting my little boy.

Menu planning

Every time the young ladies get together the conversation always ends up at dinner, shopping and never knowing what to cook. It' different for all families. Some need to plan because they have a full time job, some have kids or are expecting a child (thats me), and some are just trying to save MONEY (oh thats me too). 

I have been menu planning since around June of last year. I started with a two week schedule. I would plan a two week menu, write out a shopping list (try my best to stick to it) and shop the Friday John got paid. Then we moved, now Aldi and Wal-Mart is no longer just down the street. Soooo.... I go shopping once a month now when I have my doctor appointments. Since I only go to Rolla once a month I had to get more organized and make sure I get everything I need while I'm there (Country Mart is just so expensive). 

I started by writing down all the meals John and I like (I think I came up with 28).

I then separated everything all meals into their respected categories (Chicken, Beef, Pork, etc....). After that I divided/numbered them between 2 menus making sure there was a variety of things in each menu. 

Then made it in menu form. I made two menus so I had different things each month.

I only planned for 5 days a week, hoping for left overs. Also, 2 menus give variety without having to plan one menu for each month. 

Then made a shopping list for each menu. All I have to do is go to the cupboard and see what I need and how many and put a number next to the list.

Also made a list of all the everyday things.

Then typed it all up. Now all that needs to be done is print off everything and go.

 There is a page of sides I came up with also.

 Well here it is. Use what you want, disregard anything or everything. This has helped me save money (less trips to the store so no impulse shopping) and now I know what I'm cooking the next day so if I'm busy there is no planning (it's already done). I do not feel obligated to stick with the menu. If something else on the list sounds better I will switch the days. 

The main advice I have is have fun and don't stress!! Hope this helps you in some way. If you need help or any recipes I would be more than happy to help (if I don't know or have it, I will find it).

Happy planning!!!!!!!!!

Head Coverings

Because of a comment that someone made, I have been studying more on the topic of women wearing head coverings. the bible mentions this in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16:

² Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. ³ But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. ⁴ Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. ⁵ But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. ⁶ For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. ⁷ For a man indeed ought not to cover hishead, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. ⁸ For man is not from woman, but woman from man. ⁹ Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man. ¹⁰ For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. ¹¹ Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. ¹² For as woman came from man, even so man also comesthrough woman; but all things are from God.

¹³ Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? ¹⁴ Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? ¹⁵ But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given to her^[a] for a covering. ¹⁶ But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nordo the churches of God.

This is the conclusion I came to. I do not mean to offend anyone who might feel head covering are necessary, this is just an opinion. If your view is different then please let me know so I can examine it. Also, if any one has anything to add please share your thoughts. 


In the Old Testament, there are examples of women covering their head. Rebekah covered her head with a veil when meeting Isaac for marriage (Gen. 24:65). Also, the priests were to uncover a woman's head during an offering if a man thinks his wife has been unfaithful (Num. 5:18). These are the only mentioning's I could find were women had their heads covered. 
I assumed by the reading in 1 Corinthians it was customary for woman to wear head coverings if their hair was shorn (cut) or shaven, and it dishonors her head to be shorn or shaven (vs 6). Verse 15 states if a woman has long hair that is her covering. This covering, her hair or an alternative covering, was to be a symbol of authority, because of she came from man and was created for the man. This was the tradition of some.


I would like to draw your attention to verse 16:
¹⁶ But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nordo the churches of God.


When I read this verse it all just came together for me. I think Paul is telling the Corinthians that If one wants to wear a head covering thats fine their not sinning, and if they don't want to thats fine too. If one wants to make a big deal and argue over it, I just want to let you know there is no custom, and it's not something the churches of God practice.


In conclusion, in my opinion I do not feel it necessary to wear a covering. I do think that if another comes to the conclusion that it is and they are sinning if they do not wear it then wear it. Romans 14:23, talking about those that still feel it is wrong to eat the "unclean" meat, if you do these things without faith it is sin. So if you are wearing or not wearing a cover just because of other peoples thoughts you are doing these tings without faith, and in turn are in sin. so do what you think is necessary in your service to God. 


I would like to stress again I do not mean to offend anyone. If you have any thoughts on the subject please share them.

To start a new....

I have seen many people having their blog sites and writing things that are on their minds and I thought I would give it a try.
I hope this will be a site to encourage, help, cheer others and help me in my walk of life. 


Th first thing Is I would like to share were I got my title from: Proverbs 31:10-31

¹⁰ Who^[b] can find a virtuous^[c] wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
¹⁹ She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
²⁰ She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
²² She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
²⁷ She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

I have studied this passage sooooo many times. I have also led a study on it for a group of young women. I strive to be like this woman and hope by the end of my life I achieve this status. 

When I chose my title I thought about what I wanted to share and make notes on. I first wanted to encourage others. Other site such as face book and the like, are full of negative thought and I wanted a place for people to go that is not full of "nonsense" if you will. Verse 26 says "She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness." I think this women was an encourager. She may have to correct some one or do something that is unpleasant, but she does it with wisdom and kindness. I want my thoughts to be encouraging to others.

The second thing is I want to help others in their lives. Reading all about this woman you find her helping someone. "The heart of her husband safely trusts her," she helps her husband in all things and takes car of the home and he has no worries as he is away working. "She extends her hand to the poor..to the needy" the poor and needy get her help weather through food and clothing or maybe even an odd job or permanent job to help with income and support for their family. This may even be help with words of wisdom and love to help them through tough times. "her children rise up and call her blessed"i want my children to think this way of me. She has raised them, and gave them all the necessities of life and guided them through their life  with discipline and advice. My help may be through and experience in life or a word but this is what I wish to give.

The third thing is to cheer those through my posts. unless you say "she does good and not evil" there really is not a verse that pinpoints this but if you look deeper into the description you will find it. She does her husband well in all she does for her family, she has her servants taken care of, her children love her, she helps the poor and needy, she speaks with kindness, and she is known and praised for her works in the gates. She is a woman that is loved by all. Do you think she would be loved if she did not bring cheer to the faint hearted? I don't think so! I think of know and My husband. When he is upset about something, i have to find the right words and speak with wisdom and kindness to help him out of a slump. This goes with friends too. I would not be a trusting wife or friend if I did not cheer others along the way. Sometimes even a joke might help the situation, but wisdom comes in to play and reading the mood will determine what action to take.

And finally this post is to help me in my life. There is no doubt she did not have words of encouragement and help as she goes through her life. In this post I will share things that happens in my life, studies I found beneficial for me, struggles in my life and how I am dealing with it, and probably by October a lot about the addition to my family, my son. Weather Its a funny story, an inspiration thought or a struggle in my life, may you never be discouraged hindered in any way.